ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt reviews DIBER, DRDO, Haldwani
Inaugurates the first container-based BSL - III facility of Uttarakhand
Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt, visited DRDO’s Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research  laboratory, Haldwani and its Field station Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand. He reviewed the progress of various Research & Development efforts by DIBER. The efforts of DIBER to generate energy from Pine Forest waste, are directed towards finding solutions for space heating and electricity generation in remote areas where grid supply is frequently interrupted due to adverse climatic conditions. Since pine forest waste causes thousands of forest fire incidents; utilization of pine forest waste towards energy generation is a win-win situation.
The Biodiesel prepared by DIBER, is matching IS 15607 standards. It has been rigorously tested, found suitable and recommended in Army vehicles and Gen Sets at a blend of 20% in Petro - diesel. Another mission mode activity of DIBER is to transfer advanced technologies for cultivation of native and exotic vegetables to farmers located in remote border villages of Uttarakhand. More than 4,000 farmers are registered with DIBER and are being benefited. The enhanced income and socio-economic status are understood to have long term effects on curtailing migration from borders.
Shri Ajay Bhatt highly appreciated the Hydroponics  and suggested to spread this technology in those areas where cultivable land is in scarcity. The herbal medicine produced by DIBER for treating leukoderma has already been used by nearly one lakh patients. He urged that this medicine should reach to the larger population for benefit of mankind.
The technology to grow Ophiocordyceps, an endangered high value medicinal mushroom, by tissue culture, has far-reaching implications in providing nutritional benefits to larger population and also in improving the economy.
The Raksha Rajya Mantri also inaugurated Container-based BSL-III facility at Haldwani. This is the first container-based BSL-III facility of Uttarakhand. Being a container-based facility, it can be easily deployed in hills, wherever there is a space crunch. The capacity of the facility is 96 samples per shift. This facility operates at negative pressure and therefore, offers higher protection to the frontline health workers.
Ministry of Railways
ECoR GENERAL MANAGER INSPECTED MANCHESWAR CARRIAGE REPAIR WORKSHOP
General Manager, East Coast Railway Shri Roop Narayan Sunkar inspected the Mancheswar Carriage Repair Workshop at Bhubaneswar, today along with senior officials of East Coast Railway.
During the inspection, General Manager reviewed the overhauling of Coaches. Shri Sunkar laid emphasis on maintenance and modernisation of the passenger amenities like improved quality of seats, flooring, easy to clean toilets, fire retardant, upholstery, mobile charging points and emergency lights. He took a stock of the process and quality control measures and steps undertaken to increase the production. Shri Sunkar also inaugurated the CTRB Mounting Section for modern utilities and amenities provided in the coaches being maintained at Mancheswar Carriage Workshop.
Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw has given emphasis to provide more comfort to the passengers during their train journey by installing advance Technologies and amenities. Principal Chief Mechanical Engineer of ECoR Shri R. Rajagopal assisted General Manager during his inspection. Chief Workshop Manager  Shri S. C. Kar co-ordinated the programme.
ROM
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Ministry of Communications
Postal department in collaboration with Customs authorities starts helpline to facilitate speedy delivery of COVID related emergency shipments
During recent 2nd wave of Covid 19 cases, Department of Posts, in collaboration with Customs authorities, has been facilitating clearance, processing and delivery of Covid related emergency shipments received through post from abroad e. g. oxygen concentrators, equipment, medicines etc. A public notice in this regard has been issued by Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications.
The Public notice states that in order to further facilitate the clearances and faster delivery of such shipments, esteemed customers of the Department of Posts / members of the public, who are expecting to receive and seeking tracking details of such shipment sent through Post from abroad, are hereby informed that they can send details of their consignment  on e-mail address – “adgim2@indiapost.gov.in or dop.covid19[at]gmail[dot]com” OR may send the details through WhatsApp to below mentioned Nodal Officers.
List of Nodal Officers at DoP Head Quarter:
- Sh. Arvind Kumar – 9868378497
- Sh. Puneet Kumar – 9536623331
RKJ/M
(Visitor Counter : 476
Ministry of Defence
INS Sumedha provides assistance to stranded vessel near Somali Coast
INS Sumedha, presently on Anti Piracy Patrol in Gulf of Aden, came to the rescue of the crew of the dhow Al-Hamid on 06 Jan 20. A traditional wooden vessel known as "Dhow", Al-Hamid was detected by an IN Helicopter launched from the deck of INS Sumedha, which confirmed that the vessel was in distress and drifting near the coast of Somalia.
A boarding team along with a naval technical team embarked Al-Hamid for routine checks onboard and render assistance. The crew of Al-Hamid comprised 13 Indian Citizens. The technical team assessment revealed that the dhow had suffered a broken main engine shaft, which was not repairable at sea. The dhow was then towed to safety away from the Somali coast.
Meanwhile, the owner of the dhow Al-Hamid has sent another vessel for towing the dhow to port for repairs. Before departure, Indian Naval Ship Sumedha provided fresh water and medical supplies to the crew of the dhow.
Special Service and Features
Coconut Development Board establishes Call Centre for FoCT palm climbers
Kochi :October 6, 2023
Coconut Development Board is all set to establish a call center which will cater to the needs of coconut growers in the field of plant protection, harvesting and other field operations through skilled coconut climbers, ‘Friends of Coconut Tree’ . The call center in Kerala operates at the Head Quarters of the Board in Kochi. Apart from Kerala, the call center will be launched parallelly in the traditional coconut growing states as Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka through Unit Offices of the Board in concerned States.
Total 1552 FoCTs had registered for this call centre. Services of FoCT’s will be available at Block Grama Panchayat level in respective districts for carrying out activities related to coconut cultivation including coconut tree climbing, plant protection, harvesting, seed nut procurement, nursery management etc. Coconut farmers can avail the services of FoCTs through this call center.
The objective of the call center is to improvise the activities of coconut sector by linking together the Friends of Coconut Tree  with coconut farmers, farmer producer organizations, coconut entrepreneurs and officials of various Agriculture Departments/Institutions.
For further details contact 0484–2377266 . Besides interested skilled climbers can also register in this call center. In this regard kindly contact 8848061240 or send details such as name, address, block/panchayath with contact number through WhatsApp message.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
FACT's imported second MOP shipment  for the kharif season has reached Tuticorin Port
Company is taking steps to meet the demand of farmers during the season
Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore Limited  a PSU under the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has turned out encouraging performance on the production and marketing front during first five months of current financial year. FACT's Second muriate of potash  shipment  for the kharif season has reached Tuticorin Port yesterday and Unloading in progress.
MOP along with FACT's prime product Factamfos  is a fertilizer combination preferred by the farmers of South India. Earlier company had imported one MoP & one NPK complex parcels during June - July.
It is understood that Company is optimising its operations taking adequate safeguards against COVID pandemic. With reasonably good monsoon encouraging agriculture, Company is taking steps to meet the demand of farmers during the season.
Prime Minister's Office
PM meets Apple’s CEO Tim Cook
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has met Apple's CEO Tim Cook today.
In response to a tweet by Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, the Prime Minister said;
"An absolute delight to meet you, @tim_cook! Glad to exchange views on diverse topics and highlight the tech-powered transformations taking place in India."
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Ganesh Chaturthi
(The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people on the auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi and wished joy and prosperity everywhere.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said,
"आप सभी को गणेश चतुर्थी की बहुत-बहुत बधाई। गणपति बाप्पा मोरया!
Greetings on the auspicious festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. May the blessings of Bhagwan Shri Ganesh always be upon us. May there be joy and prosperity all over."
Special Service and Features
NIT Tiruchirappalli organised Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights
National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, in
association with Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Intellectual
Property Management  Government of India, Nagpur under
National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission presented 75th Azadi
ka Amrit Mahotsav by conducting a free online workshop on
“Intellectual Property Rights  & Patents and Design filing” on
26.07.2022, with the main speaker as Shri. Kumar Raju, Assistant
Controller of Patents & Designs, IPO Mumbai/RGNIIPM Nagpur. He
outlined the importance of awareness of IPR and the process of filing
patent applications, the minimum documents required for filing, pre
and post-patent filing processes involved, the basics of IPR-related
issues, and the necessity for patenting in today’s scenario.
Dr G.Aghila, Director NIT- Tiruchirappalli, inaugurated the event and
advised the participants to fully use the content and value-added
information obtained from the lecture. Dr S.Muthukkumaran, Dean
 also gave many insights into the
differences between copyrights and patents. Also, he encouraged the
students to initiate startups. He also emphasised that additional
course content on IPR in the academic curricula has become necessary
in the current scenario.
Dr S.Jayalekshmi, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering and Dr
M.Jaya Bharata Reddy, Professor, Department of Electrical and
Electronics Engineering and Head of IPR cell, NIT- Tiruchirappalli are
the coordinators of this event, held on 26th July 2022, which happens
to be Kargil Vijay Divas Day.
For more details contact:
Dr.S.Jayalekshmi, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering M.no 9487575715
Dr.M.Jaya Bharata Reddy, Professor, Department of Electrical and
Electronics Engineering m.no 9443171746
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Ministry of Defence
Vice Chief of the Army Staff Addresses Bangladesh National Defence College on Security Challenges Post COVID -19 Pandemic
Lt Gen SK Saini, the Vice Chief of Army Staff  addressed the participants of National Defence Course Bangladesh on “Security Challenges Post COVID – 19 Pandemic” via a virtual platform on 02 December 2020. Earlier in his career, the VCOAS had attended the National Defence College Bangladesh in 2011. The address covered the impact of Corona virus on the emerging world and focused on its impact on military, the security challenges and his views on ways and means to tackle them.
On the impact of the virus, the VCOAS said that “strategic security of most nations have been impacted due to reduction in funds for military capability and projects since vast sums of money have been diverted for urgent health requirements”. Commenting on the trend of “De-globalisation” the Vice Chief, remarked that “many countries fuelled by ultra-nationalism are experiencing accelerated process of De-globalisation leading to closing of borders for movement of goods, people, services and even ideas”. He noted that “while countries are struggling to rein in the virus, certain countries have seized the opportunity to extend their influence militarily, economically and politically which does not augur well for the world community”.
Commenting on future wars, the Vice Chief mentioned that “future wars may gravitate towards zero cost wars, wherein a very virulent pathogen may immobilise high-technology arsenal”. He also mentioned that “weaker militaries will continue to seek an asymmetric advantage in an unrestricted warfare milieu” while “social media will continue to be the vector of choice for the battle of narratives”.
On the impact of COVID-19 on military, the VCOAS spoke on its impact on force readiness, training, operational logistics and HR issues highlighting that “force sustainment is a challenge due to delays in delivery schedules owing to production halts and workforce disruptions”.
Towards suggesting recommendations for post COVID era, to the future senior military leadership attending the course, the VCOAS emphasised that the “militaries of the region must evolve a defence cooperation plan since they will become the first responders during such health disasters”. He also called for “technology-enabled solutions for integrated identification, control and management of such threats”. The Vice Chief stressed on the “need to re-invigorate the defence industrial base to meet sustainment and modernisation needs” and to focus on “force preservation and readiness by giving a fresh impetus to health security”. The VCOAS remarked that “use of technology in training, development of digital communication and sharing of best practices among militaries” must be the focus to tackle challenges associated with COVID-19.
This talk by the VCOAS is a significant step in enhancing defence cooperation with Bangladesh which has remained a priority for the Indian Army given our historic, cultural and military affinity.
AA/BSC
(Visitor Counter : 540
Ministry of Railways
President of India Presents “National Energy Conservation Awards” on the “National Energy Conservation Day”
Indian Railways receives Nine National Energy Conservation Awards - 2022
- Awards were presented at a Function held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi
The Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presented the National Energy Conservation Awards, National Energy Efficiency Innovation Awards and National Painting Competition prizes in New Delhi today  on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day. On this Occasion, Indian Railways were presented with Nine National Energy Conservation Awards for the year 2022. These awards were presented in a function held by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency under the aegis of Ministry of Power, Government of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. These awards are declared for the best energy management practices during the year 2022
South Central Railways received the first and second prize for Energy Conservation Measures in Railway Stations category. First Prize was awarded for Kacheguda Station. The second prize was awarded to Guntakal Railway station. Certificate of Merit was awarded to Kanpur Central Railway Station , Rajahmudry Railway Station , Tenali Railway station .
Under Buildings Category, Ajmer Workshop of North Western Railway was awarded the First Prize. Certificate of Merit was awarded to Railway Hospital Guntakal , Electric Traction Training Centre, Vijayawada  and Divisional Railway Hospital, Pratapnagar .
The details of awards presented today are -
- Transport Category / Railway Stations Sector:
- Kacheguda Railway Station won the First Prize
- Guntakal Railway station wins the Second Prize
- Kanpur Central Railway Station won the certificate of Merit
- Tenali Railway Station won the certificate of Merit
Rajahmudry Railway Station  won the certificate of Merit
- Buildings Category / Government Buildings Sector:
- Ajmer Workshop of North Western Railway won the First Prize.
- Railway Hospital / Guntakal  won the certificate of Merit
- Electric Traction Training Centre , Vijayawada  won the certificate of Merit.
- Divisional Railway Hospital, Pratapnagar  won the certificate of Merit.
Railways have been consistently implementing various energy conservation measures like Energy efficient LED lighting and other measures.
Ministry of Defence
Curtain raiser Indo Maldives joint Ex Ekuverin – 19 at Aundh Mil Stn, Pune from 07 to 20 Oct 19
Tenth edition of the Joint Military Exercise Ekuverin between the Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Force will be organised from 07 to 20 October 2019 at Aundh Military Station in Pune, Maharashtra. The Indian Army and the Maldives National Defence Forces have been conducting Exercise Ekuverin meaning ‘Friends’ in the Dhivehi language since 2009. The 14 days Joint Exercise held alternatively in India and Maldives focuses on enhancing interoperability between the two forces for carrying out counter insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in a semi-urban environment under the United Nations mandate.
The focus of the exercise will be on sharing of best practices and acquainting each other with the operating procedures being followed while undertaking counter insurgency and counter-terrorism operations. The last exercise was held in 2018 at Northern Area Headquarters, Lh. Maafilaafushi of Maldives. India shares very close ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial ties with the Maldives and Exercise Ekuverin will assist in further strengthening of these ties between the two nations.
Col Aman Anand
PRO 
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President's Secretariat
President of India’s Greetings on the Eve of Ganesh Chaturthi
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has sent his greetings to his fellow citizens on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi.
In a message, the President has said, “On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all the fellow citizens living in India and abroad.
This festival marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha who symbolises knowledge, prosperity, good fortune and is celebrated with fervour and gaiety. On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, this year, let us pray to Lord Ganesha to make our efforts against the COVID-19 pandemic successful and bestow happiness and peace on all of us.
Let us celebrate this festival in an atmosphere of enthusiasm and harmony while adhering to Covid appropriate behaviour.”
Click here to see the President message in Hindi
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
TREATMENT OF WASTE WATER
Under Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban  2.0, Swachh Certification Protocols for  ODF, ODF+, ODF++, and Water+ have been introduced under which the claims of the cities are verified by an independent third party.
Water+ certification protocol evaluates, inter-alia, that no untreated used water or faecal sludge is discharged into the environment/ water bodies and all used water  is safely contained, transported, and treated, along with maximum reuse of treated used water. Till date 14 ULBs have been certified as Water+. The details of the Cities/ULBs certified as Water+ are annexed.
As informed by Central Ground Water Board, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, Central Ground Water Authority  has been constituted under Section 3 of the "Environment  Act, 1986" for the purpose of regulation and control of ground water development and management in the Country. The latest guidelines for control and regulation of groundwater extraction with pan-India applicability notified on 24 September 2020 provides that all Water Supply Agencies in urban areas in the states regulated by CGWA have to obtain No Objection Certificate from CGWA for Ground Water Extraction. So far, no incidence of erring Municipalities in this regard has been reported to CGWA.
A cleanliness survey called Swachh Survekshan  is being carried out annually since 2016 to inculcate healthy competitive spirit amongst Urban Local Bodies  and States/Union Territory Administrations by awarding them rank. From surveying 73 major cities in 2016 and 434 cities in 2017, the 7th edition of SS had 4,355 cities participating in the survey. The SS 2022 Ranking Result may be accessed at 
Annexure
Annexure referred in reply of Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 5608 due for reply on 06.04.2023 regarding “Treatment of Waste Water”
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S. No.
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State/UT
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City
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1
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Chandigarh
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Chandigarh
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2
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Delhi
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New Delhi 
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3
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Madhya Pradesh
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Indore
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4
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Madhya Pradesh
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Bhopal
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5
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Gujarat
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Surat
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6
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Maharashtra
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Navi Mumbai
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7
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Maharashtra
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Baramati
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8
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Maharashtra
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Panchgani
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9
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Maharashtra
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Karhad
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10
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Andhra Pradesh
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GVMC Visakhapatnam
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11
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Andhra Pradesh
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Vijayawada
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12
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Andhra Pradesh
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Tirupati
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13
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Karnataka
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Mysore
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14
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Telangana
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Greater Hyderabad
This information was given by the Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Kaushal Kishore, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurates the All India Heads of Police Communication Conference
The Minister of State for Communications  and Railways, Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the All India Heads of Police Communication Conference on ‘Modernization of Police Communication and Challenges thereof’ here today. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Manoj Sinha said he is glad to be present among Senior Police Officers of the country and congratulated the Directorate of Coordination Police Wireless  for organizing this Conference. He also appreciated that DCPW as a nodal agency for Police Communications is shouldering responsibility of bringing the Communication facilities to Police operations in a most effective manner, apart from various coordinated activities. The Minister also said that he is glad to know that DCPW is manning a Nationwide Communication network connecting all States, Union Territories and the Central Armed Police Forces  as an additional support to all these Organizations.
Shri Anand Swaroop, Director, DCPW, while welcoming the Minister, also addressed the delegates and the guests and thanked their presence in the Conference.
The theme of the two-day conference is “Modernization of Police Communication and Challenges thereof”. The purpose of the Conference is to bring all stakeholders together on one platform to address outstanding issues, share best practices, address all domains of Communication and encourage Innovation and Modernisation in the field of Communication. It also encourages Business concerns to offer their solutions to the challenges of Communication in India. It also provides platform for the showcase of ‘Make In India’ and Startups to exhibit their expertise and share experiences with stakeholders to hone their skills.
Shri Santosh Gangwar, Minister of State , Ministry of Labour and Employment will address the delegates in the valedictory function tomorrow. Besides, Trophy/Awards will also be presented in different categories of excellence for Imparting Training in the field of Communication, Implementing Innovation Solution, Crypto methods for Encryption & Performing State in implementing modern Technology in Police Communication Network.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Global Crude oil price of Indian Basket was US$ 61.54 per bbl on 22.11.2017
The international crude oil price of Indian Basket as computed/published today by Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell  under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas was US$ 61.54 per barrel  on 22.11.2017. This was higher than the price of US$ 60.95 per bbl on previous publishing day of 21.11.2017.
In rupee terms, the price of Indian Basket increased to Rs 3984.75 per bbl on 22.11.2017 as compared to Rs. 3963.91 per bbl on 21.11.2017. Rupee closed stronger at Rs. 64.75 per US$ on 22.11.2017 as compared to 65.04 per US$ on 21.11.2017. The table below gives details in this regard:
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Particulars
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Unit
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Price on November 22, 2017 
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Crude Oil 
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61.54 
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3984.75 
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Exchange Rate
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64.75 
AD/SA Daily Crude Oil Price
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